The goal of the project was to explore the sense of discovery in as many forms possible within a single game.
There is a second, “True Ending” hidden in the game.
But to unlock it, player has to locate 4 keys, hidden behind optional puzzles, and the hardest challenges in the game.
Some puzzles have a secret second solution leading to a different reward.
This usually requires a hint, hidden somewhere within the level.
IDEA: The idea came from a familiar concept found in action games, where the challenge could be completed differently based on the level of player’s mastery.
FLAW: There was a lot of confusion and unneeded behaviour since it wasn't clear if a space was already completly explored or not.
SOLUTION: Magical device similar to compass in Zelda games. In the later prototype, this was partially solved with a mana bottle.
Effects of potions are hidden until the player tries them for the first time.
As an example, one potion grants the player the ability to temporary walk above holes.
- That could be used to reach treasure chests that were unreachable otherwise.
- This reduces the difficulty of specific sections from insane to trivial.
- Players could discover an intentionally left exploit which could get them straight to the hidden ending without any extra effort. (Exploration of the game's boundaries)